What if the Pittsburgh Steelers had snagged a superstar quarterback years ago—potentially changing the course of their franchise forever? Imagine the headlines, the championship runs, and the loyalty from fans. It's a tantalizing 'what if' that hits hard, especially for a team still grappling with quarterback woes. But here's where it gets controversial: Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison dropped a bombshell recently, claiming the team nearly drafted a future Pro Bowl star in 2016. And this is the part most people miss—it could have saved them from the carousel of quarterbacks they've endured since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement.
Let's dive into this football tale. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on a relentless hunt for their next elite franchise quarterback ever since Roethlisberger, the legendary 'Big Ben,' called it quits at the end of the 2021 season. It's been a rollercoaster, with a string of backups and imports failing to ignite the offense. Yet, as Harrison revealed, they had a golden opportunity to secure their future at the position even before Roethlisberger hung up his cleats for good.
On the popular 'Deebo and Joe Podcast,' Harrison, who has deep roots in the Steelers organization dating back to 2002, spilled the beans without naming his insiders. He recounted how the team considered grabbing a 'diamond in the rough' in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. For beginners in football lingo, the NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select college players to join professional ranks—think of it as a talent auction where earlier picks often lead to bigger stars. Harrison pointed out that they bypassed this gem for an offensive tackle who didn't last long, but that quarterback they skipped? It was none other than Dak Prescott, now a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Harrison hinted at 'a variety of reasons' he wouldn't elaborate on, perhaps internal decisions or scouting evaluations that went awry.
Instead of Prescott, the Steelers chose Jerald Hawkins at pick No. 123 in that fourth round. Hawkins played for Pittsburgh in four seasons—2016 through 2018, plus a brief return in 2020—before bouncing around and ending up in the Canadian Football League in 2023. He never made a lasting impact, which begs the question: was this a missed opportunity that still stings?
Meanwhile, Prescott has blossomed into one of the NFL's premier signal-callers. He's racked up an impressive 35,919 passing yards, 243 touchdowns, and just 92 interceptions, all while adding 2,116 rushing yards and 31 more scores on the ground. That's the kind of dual-threat versatility that can transform a team's offense, making him a franchise cornerstone. For context, a Pro Bowl selection is like an All-Star game in football, honoring the best players each year—Prescott's earned it four times, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Of course, Roethlisberger's dominance in the locker room might have made the Steelers feel secure without rushing to draft a backup. But in hindsight, it's easy to see why they might regret passing on Prescott. Since Roethlisberger's exit, the team has cycled through a revolving door of quarterbacks: Mitchell Trubisky brought some stability but injuries; Kenny Pickett showed flashes as a rookie but fizzled; Justin Fields added mobility yet couldn't lead to wins; Russell Wilson delivered playoff appearances but now he's departed; and now, they've pinned hopes on veteran Aaron Rodgers. It's been a frustrating parade of 'what ifs,' leaving fans yearning for that elusive long-term solution.
The Steelers did bring in a new general manager, Omar Khan, signaling potential change. But Harrison isn't optimistic. He believes a true organizational shift—from the top down—is needed, and he's nearly certain it won't occur until after the 2026 season. This raises eyebrows: Is the Steelers' front office stuck in outdated thinking, prioritizing short-term gains over bold, future-building moves? And what about the culture of loyalty to veterans like Roethlisberger—does it blind teams to emerging talent?
But here's where it gets really controversial: Some might argue that drafting Prescott could have disrupted team chemistry or that Roethlisberger's shadow was too long to sideline. Others say Harrison's hindsight is 20/20, and no one could have predicted Prescott's rise so early. Either way, it's a debate that could spark heated arguments among fans. Do you think the Steelers made a colossal mistake by not grabbing Prescott? Or was it a wise decision given the circumstances? Would Prescott have thrived under the Steelers' system, or was he a perfect fit for Dallas? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own 'what if' scenarios from Steelers history!
